Longer Lifespan Research Articles

An Examination of use of Alternative Reference Sources in Colour Rendering of Environmental Lighting Applications

Environmental lighting applications include smart technologies with energy efficiency, zero toxic elements production, decreased number of luminaires, longer life span, etc. While the research is focused on energy performance and lighting requirements there must be attention for the users’ wellbeing even if the energy consumption is raised. One important aspect for the wellbeing is colour rendering, which is defined as the “effect of an illuminant on the colour appearance of objects by conscious or subconscious comparison with their colour appearance under a reference illuminant”. Reference is the foundation of communication, but no possible reference is inherently superior. The use of Planckian radiation, daylight, or a combination of the two has been established as a reference source because people are familiar with those two non-artificial light sources. Special lighting applications, like tunable light, are based on special specifications and the establishment of alternative design reference sources according to these specifications is a possibility for a better colour rendition. In the present study, different sources were designed with hue-specific chroma changes, and the results of colour rendition were compared with the relative results of standard reference sources. The exported results are reported, and proposals are made for the use of the results.

Involvement in the tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell expression by the initial disease of remnant gastric cancer

BackgroundRemnant gastric cancer (RGC) has been increasing for various reasons such as a longer life span, medical progress, and others. It generally has a poor prognosis, and its mechanism of occurrence is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of and clarify the oncological features of RGC.MethodsBetween January 2002 and January 2017, 39 patients with RGC following distal gastrectomy underwent curative surgical resection at the Okayama University Hospital; their medical records and immunohistochemically stained extracted specimens were used for retrospective analysis.ResultsOn univariate analysis, initial gastric disease, pathological lymph node metastasis, and pathological stage were the significant factors associated with poor overall survival (p=0.014, 0.0061, and 0.016, respectively). Multivariate analysis of these 3 factors showed that only initial gastric disease caused by malignant disease was an independent factor associated with a poor prognosis (p=0.014, hazard ratio: 4.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–13.0). In addition, tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells expression was higher in the benign disease group than in the malignant group (p=0.046).ConclusionsInitial gastrectomy caused by malignant disease was an independent poor prognostic factor of RGC, and as one of the causes, lower level of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells in RGC may involve in.

Age and sex drive differential behavioral and neuroimmune phenotypes during postoperative pain

Surgical procedures in the geriatric population are steadily increasing, driven by improved healthcare technologies and longer lifespans. However, effective postoperative pain treatments are lacking, and this diminishes quality of life and recovery. Here we present one of the first preclinical studies to pursue sex- and age-specific differences in postoperative neuroimmune phenotypes and pain. We found that aged males, but not females, had a delayed onset of mechanical hypersensitivity post-surgery and faster resolution than young counterparts. This sex-specific age effect was accompanied by decreased paw innervation and increased local inflammation. Additionally, we find evidence of an age-dependent decrease in hyperalgesic priming and perioperative changes in nociceptor populations and spinal microglia in the aged. These findings suggest that impaired neuronal function and maladaptive inflammatory mechanisms influence postoperative pain development in advanced age. Elucidation of these neuroimmune phenotypes across age and sex enables the development of novel therapies that can be tailored for improved pain relief.

Antimicrobial Polymers Containing Ammonia Derivatives

The ever increasing number of harmful pathogens and the implications of their spread pose a major issue for modern science. These infections can be a primary source of concern in many sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, dental restorations, surgical instruments, medical equipment, and sanitation systems. Polymeric antimicrobials can destroy or prevent germs from developing on a surface or in the surrounding environment. They have recently garnered considerable attention owing to their higher efficacy, lesser toxicity, higher selectivity, sustainability, eco-friendly nature, and longer lifespans. In the face of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, the development of new antimicrobial polymers with better efficacy has been a major priority. This review focuses on antimicrobial polymers containing nitrogen, the relationship between their activity and structure, their method of action, the effect of several parameters on antimicrobial potency, and their applications in various spheres including COVID-19.

Comparison of diurnal biting activity, life table, and demographic attributes of Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) from different urbanized settings in West Java, Indonesia

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus has well-adaptive behavior to environmental changes, including human urbanization, and has an essential role as the main vector of important pathogenic arboviruses. This study aims to analyze the biology and life table of the Ae. albopictus populations collected from urban and peri-urban areas of Bogor, West Java, Indonesia under laboratory conditions. Mosquito eggs collection was carried out in urban and peri-urban areas using ovitraps. The observation of the life table experiment that followed the development of Ae. albopictus started from the emergence of the first individual to the last surviving individual. Several biological parameters comparing Ae. albopictus from two collection sites based on life table analysis were shown to be significantly different. Biting activity of all mosquitoes from urban and peri-urban areas showed a clear bimodal activity with morning peak at 09:00-10.00 and evening peak at 16:00-17:00. Ae. albopictus from the urban area have higher fecundity, considerably longer lifespan, more gonotrophic cycles, and a higher net reproduction rate (R0) than Ae. albopictus from the peri-urban area. These findings will provide valuable information about the well-adapted Ae. albopictus in urban areas and assist in providing basic reproductive data to improve vector control and current surveillance strategies especially in the study area.

The Impact of the Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) in Reducing Stress and Improving Battery Lifespan in a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) System

This paper investigates the effect of the electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) in reducing stress and prolonging the battery lifespan in a hybrid energy storage system (HESS). A 65 F, 16.2 V EDLC supercapacitor was connected in a laboratory experiment to produce its charge/discharge profile at a constant current of 5 and 10 A. The EDLC’s Faranda or “two branch model” mathematical parameters were extracted from the experimental charge/discharge profile. The extracted parameters were used as inputs to design the Python/MATLAB/Simulink (PMS)-hybrid model of the EDLC. The charge/discharge profiles of the simulated PMS model of the EDLC were then compared to the charge/discharge profiles derived from the experimental setup of the EDLC and were found to match. The PMS model of the EDLC was then used as a subcomponent in an HESS system modelled in MATLAB/Simulink. Using constant load conditions, the battery’s voltage, current, power and state of charge (SOC) were analyzed for a battery energy storage system (BESS) without a supercapacitor and then compared to an HESS system with a supercapacitor in an experimental setup. This process was repeated with the simulated PMS model of the EDLC in MATLAB/Simulink for HESS and without the EDLC for BESS. Finally using a variable load in an experimental setup, the battery’s voltage and current were analyzed for a BESS system and compared to an HESS system. All these data show that, in an HESS system with a supercapacitor, there is less stress on the battery with a load applied. This is indicated by the voltage and current values in an HESS system being consistently more stable with respect to time as compared to the BESS system. As a result, in an HESS system, the battery will have a longer lifespan.

Fluorescent silica nanoparticles as an internal marker in fruit flies and their effects on survivorship and fertility

Tracking and differentiating small insects at the individual levels requires appropriate marking materials because of their small size. This study proposes and investigates the use of fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) as an internal marker owing to their good optical properties and biocompatibility. FSNPs were prepared using the water-in-oil reverse microemulsion technique with Rubpy dye as a fluorophore. The obtained particles were spherical, monodispersed in nanosize and exhibited bright orange luminescence under ultraviolet (UV) light. Internal marking was accomplished in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) through feeding. The result shows that the fruit flies exhibit bright luminescence in their abdomen when exposed to UV light. The marking persistence duration of FSNPs in the fruit fly bodies is longer than those of other fluorescent dyes. Fruit flies fed with FSNPs have a longer lifespan than those fed with Rubpy dye. There was no difference in fertility and negative geotaxis response among the treatment and control groups. These findings demonstrate that FSNPs can be used as an internal marker in fruit flies, and are possibly applied with other small insects with a translucent abdomen.

Abstract 13176: Overexpression of BANF1 is Linked to Cardiac Pathologies in Progeria Patients

Introduction: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria (HGP) is a genetic disorder caused by a single nucleotide mutation in the Lamin A gene. This mutation causes the production of the abnormal lamin A protein called progerin. Children affected by this disorder age rapidly and die at an early age, mostly from cardiac pathologies. Another similar progeroid syndrome is Nestor-Guillermo progeria, in which the patients exhibit accelerated aging but have a longer life span. This latter syndrome is caused by a mutation that silences the BANF1 gene. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that BANF1 is linked to cardiovascular disease in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria patients. This gene could be targeted to reduce cardiac pathologies and increase the lifespan of patients with HGP. Methods: We obtained skin fibroblasts from two HGP patients and their respective parents from the Progeria Foundation. We successfully reprogrammed the fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells by a safe non-viral method and further differentiated them into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMCs). Then, we performed multiple analyses to compare the iCMCs of the patients, their parents, and control iCMCs. Results: Through in-silico protein analysis, we were able to identify a relationship between nuclear lamina proteins and BANF1, which is also correlated to cardiac-specific proteins GATA4 and NKX2.5 ( Figure A ). Additionally, through qPCR ( Figure B ) and Western Blot ( Figure C ) analyses, we identified a significant difference in BANF1 expression between the progeria patient iCMCs and the other iCMCs. BANF1 was overexpressed in patient iCMCs, whereas, it had normal expression in patient fibroblasts when compared to control cells. Conclusions: We believe that BANF1 could be a good target for future therapeutic approaches to minimize cardiac pathologies in HGP patients and extend their lifespan.

The impact of temperature and decay in insecticide-treated net efficacy on malaria prevalence and control

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been useful and effective in mitigating the risk of malaria globally. However, due to misuse and normal/human-induced physical and chemical wear, the effectiveness of ITNs in combating malaria has been declining. Underlying heterogeneities in the nature of malaria, combined with environmental factors such as temperature lead to complex malaria transmission and control dynamics. In particular, temperature plays a significant role in determining the risk of malaria since it influences the growth and survival of mosquitoes and the malaria parasite. Here, a unifying mechanistic framework that integrates malaria dynamics with waning ITN-efficacy and temperature change is developed and used to assess the impact of interactions between significant sources of variation (e.g., temperature) and waning ITN-efficacy on the risk of malaria transmission and the success of ITN programs. The model exhibits a backward bifurcation when ITN-efficacy is constant implying that control efforts must be stepped up and sustained a bit longer even when the reproduction number is slightly less than one. The study shows that malaria is more effectively controlled with ITNs that have a longer lifespan and if ITNs are replaced before the end of their expiration period. Also, failing to account for waning ITN-efficacy leads to an underestimation of disease risk, burden, and effort level required to contain the disease. Local and global sensitivity analyses show that control and temperature-related parameters are primary drivers of the reproduction number and the human disease burden, highlighting the significance of temperature on malaria dynamics. Furthermore, the study shows that the human disease burden is optimal at a temperature of ≈28°C and that high seasonal variations can trigger major malaria outbreaks even in regions with low mean temperatures. Additionally, accounting for both seasonality and decay in ITN-efficacy leads to complex malaria patterns. To sum it up, insights into the sensitivity of malaria dynamics on temperature are useful in assessing the potential impact of changes in temperature on malaria risk. Also, a malaria control program, which ensures that ITNs are replaced regularly and early enough, and that educates at risk populations on proper use and care for ITNs is necessary for reducing the burden of malaria.

Binder-Free Sodium Zinc Phosphate Protection Layer Enabled Dendrite-Free Zn Metal Anode.

Aqueous Zn battery has been a promising alternative battery in large-scale energy storage systems due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and intrinsic safety. However, its cycle life is impeded by the dendrite formation, severe corrosion, and side reactions on the zinc metal anode. Most ex situ coatings on the zinc surface extend the life span of zinc anodes but have drawbacks in Zn2+ ion conductivity. Herein, a robust sodium zinc phosphate layer was in situ built on zinc metal foil anode (Zn@NZP) via facile electrodeposition. The Zn2+ ion conducting protection layer alleviates corrosion, suppresses zinc dendrites, and lowers the energy barrier of Zn2+ plating and stripping. As a result, the Zn@NZP anode renders dendrite-free plating/stripping with a small overpotential of about 44 mV and a 12-fold enhancement long-life span compared to the bare zinc. Furthermore, a full cell using the Zn@NZP anode shows much improved capacity and cycling stability. This work provides a promising anode candidate for dendrite-free aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial ischaemia-Focus on the ageing and sex.

Annually, approximately 17 million people die from cardiovascular diseases worldwide, half of them suddenly. The most common direct cause of sudden cardiac death is ventricular arrhythmia triggered by an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study summarizes the knowledge of the mechanisms of arrhythmia onset during ACS in humans and in animal models and factors that may influence the susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias during ACS with particular focus on the age and sex. The real impact of age and sex on the arrhythmic susceptibility within the setting of acute ischaemia is masked by the fact that ACSs result from coronary artery disease appearing with age much earlier among men than among women. However, results of researches show that in ageing process changes with potential pro-arrhythmic significance, such as increased fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, decrease number of gap junction channels, disturbances of the intracellular Ca2+ signalling or changes in electrophysiological parameters, occur independently of the development of cardiovascular diseases and are more severe in male individuals. A review of the literature also indicates a marked paucity of research in this area in female and elderly individuals. Greater awareness of sex differences in the aging process could help in the development of personalized prevention methods targeting potential pro-arrhythmic factors in patients of both sexes to reduce mortality during the acute phase of myocardial infarction. This is especially important in an era of aging populations in which women will predominate due to their longer lifespan.

Wheel Bearing Fault Detection for Automobiles using Wheel Speed Sensor

Wheel bearing fault diagnosis and monitoring for automobiles are getting more attention as the market shifts towards electric vehicles (EV) and autonomous vehicles (AV). Electric drivetrains are expected to have longer lifespan than the reliable life of low-cost wheel bearing designs. The probability of having a failed wheel bearing in an EV thus increases. In an AV setting, most of the rides are taken by people who are unfamiliar to the vehicle, removing the human as a viable sensor to detect wheel bearing defects. Fleet managers will be required to pay a high price to inspect potential defects. The implementation of a wheel bearing fault detection system can help reduce these costs.
 In our previous work, a method for injecting wheel bearing brinelling failure was developed. In this paper, we propose a wheel bearing brinelling fault detection algorithm using wheel speed sensor. The proposed algorithm detects wheel bearing faults by identifying peaks in the wheel speed spectrum at bearing critical frequencies. To implement this approach, we leverage phase domain transform technique to normalize against effect of varying speed. A wavelet filtering technique is employed to enhance the bearing fault signatures prior transforming the wheel speed signal into frequency domain. Post-processing techniques are developed to smooth the high-variance wheel speed spectra and improve the detectability of the wheel bearing faults. A regression model is then developed to calculate the wheel bearing health indicators. The results show that the proposed algorithm achieves high performance in detecting wheel bearing faults.

Liming enhances longevity of wheat seeds produced in acid soils

The environment where plants grow, such as acidic soils, interferes with the nutrient concentration and physiological quality of seeds. This hypothesis was tested using wheat seeds as a model crop, grown in a tropical soil with and without lime application for twelve years. Here we show that lime provides remarkable enhancements in soil chemistry and seed composition, without altering the seed’s germination and vigor. Also, it favors the production of seeds with additional molecular mechanisms that extend their longevity. Our results indicate that the application of lime mitigates acidity in tropical soils and ensures the production of seeds with enhanced chemical composition and longer life span.

Iron carbodiimide as a High-reactivity anode for potassium ion batteries

Exploring highly reactive anode materials is crucial for further development of potassium ion batteries (PIBs). Conversion-type materials have the merit of high energy density as anode for PIBs, while suffering from inferior stability and poor rate capability. Herein, we propose to utilize iron carbodiimide (FeNCN) as the anode for PIBs to achieve stable and high-rate potassium storage performance for the first time. The smaller electronegativity and strong covalent bonding structure of FeNCN facilitate improving the charge transfer kinetics of battery systems. Consequently, the FeNCN anode deliver a high reversible capacity (515 mAh/g at 50 mA g−1) and remarkable long-life span over 350 cycles with capacity retention of 90 % (133 days, current density 100 mA g−1). Moreover, the mechanism for potassium ion storage of FeNCN was revealed by in-situ XRD, ex-situ XPS, and FT-IR. The feasibility of FeNCN as an anode for PIBs paves the way for transition metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co) carbodiimides to be investigated as potential energy storage materials.

Differential expression profiles of circRNAs in cancers: Future clinical and diagnostic perspectives

Since decades ago, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been known for their critical role in RNA maturation, RNA transportation, epigenetic regulation, gene transcription, peptide/protein translation, and interaction with proteins to modulate their activities. At present, circRNAs are being extensively studied as oncotargets in the onset and development of several malignancies and treatment resistance by modulating various signaling pathways and cellular processes such as ubiquitination, degradation, invasion, proliferation, c-Myc oncoprotein stabilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, autophagy, and apoptosis. In addition, circRNAs are known to be highly conserved, have a longer life span than other RNAs, and their differential expressions are implicated in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, their potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets are not fully elucidated. Therefore, we sought to underline the opportunities and constraints associated with using these oncotargets in cancer therapy by outlining the functional mechanisms of circRNAs and their ectopic expression in distinct malignancies. The clinical applications of circRNAs in developing progressive markers like liquid biopsy biomarkers and for treating cancers are also prospected in this paper.

Corrosion Properties of Ni-P-B Dispersion Coating for Industrial Knives and Blades

Industrial blades, particularly the one used in food processing, requires not only a high hardness and a good wear protection but also an adequate corrosion protection. Currently, there is a wide variety of materials being used for this purpose that satisfy the above requirements. However, they come at a cost. Typically, steel with a high number of alloyed elements is chosen because the alloyed elements improved the steel quality. For example, incorporation of nickel, chromium, phosphorus and molybdenum in the steel improves amongst others the corrosion protection. However, the thermal processing of such steel, that is quenching, repeated tempering and followed by nitriding or boriding, is lengthy and complicated which drive the cost to produce knives using such steel up.Besides steel cutting tools, there is also cutting tools made from ceramic and carbide. Compared to steel knives, carbide knives have a longer lifespan and provide a higher temperature tolerance, which results in the application of the carbide cutting tools at higher speed and for longer periods without experiencing tool failure. Admittedly, due to carbides high hardness and thus the increase in difficulty to machine carbide, the production cost of carbide cutting tools is much higher compared to their steel counterparts. For ceramics, while the material is corrosion free and can maintain hardness and wear properties at a very high temperature, it is also more brittle than steel and carbide cutting tools. This results in premature chipping of the cutting edge and a shorter lifespan of the blade.To further reducing the production cost of industrial knives, the alternative of using a low alloyed steel which is coated with a hard coating and adjacently thermally treated for 1 h is investigated. This method is chosen because the tempering process of the low alloyed steel is not as lengthy as for high alloyed steel. The homogenously incorporated boron particles in the nickel phosphorus coating reduce the subsequent thermal treatment duration due to a shorter diffusion path compared to the conventional boriding. Previous study by the author [1] shows this approach to produce a high hardness at approx. 900 HV. Electroless nickel phosphorus coating is applied due to its good anti-corrosive properties. The presence of boron as particles in the coating or as boride after thermal treatment could change the corrosion behaviour of the coating. To date, no studies have yet been done to determine its corrosion properties and benchmarking this Ni-P-B dispersion coating with the other coating systems.In this study, the corrosion behaviour of the dispersion layer as coated and after thermal treatments at different temperatures is investigated. The corrosion resistance in NaCl 3.5 % is characterized though potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectrometry. The results will be evaluated and compared to the other established coating systems.[1] The previous study will be presented at 241st ECS Meeting in Vancouver, Canada and has not yet been published at the time this abstract is submitted for the 242nd ECS Meeting in Atlanta.

Betaine promotes osteogenic differentiation in immortalized human dental pulp-derived cells

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of betaine (BET) on immortalized human dental pulp stem cell (ihDP) osteogenic differentiation.Materials and methodshDPs were immortalized using SV40 T-antigen transfection. Characterization, multilineage differentiation, proliferation, cell cycle, colony-forming unit, and cellular senescence were evaluated (n = 4). The effect of BET on ihDP response was assessed (n = 4). Osteogenic differentiation was detected using ALP, ARS staining, and RT-qPCR (n = 4). To investigate the involvement of calcium signaling, the cells were pretreated with either 8-(NN-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) or thapsigargin before BET treatment (n = 6).ResultsihDPs retained similar phenotypic characteristics presented in hDPs but exhibited an increase in cell proliferation and extended culture to passage 25. An increased proportion of cells in S and G2/M phases without senescence was observed in ihDPs. BET (50 mM) treatment significantly increased mineral deposition at 14 days and upregulated ALP, MSX2, BMP2, and RUNX2 expression. TMB-8 pretreatment reduced the effect of BET-induced ihDP osteogenic differentiation, whereas thapsigargin promoted osteogenic differentiation in ihDPs synergistically with BET.ConclusionihDPs showed superior proliferation ability and a longer life span, which could serve as a promising cell for regenerative dentistry. BET promoted odonto/osteogenic differentiation via intracellular calcium regulation.

Hierarchically porous carbon materials synthesized from sustainable tannic acid with sodium citrate via ice-templating and carbonization for high-performance supercapacitors

Porous carbons are mainly used as electrode materials for commercial supercapacitors because of their large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, and long-life span. However, highly porous carbons with interconnected multi-modal pore structures are still being pursued to further improve the electrochemical performance. In this study, porous carbon materials (PCMs) with well-interconnected multi-modal pore structures, large specific surface area, and large pore volume were prepared from tannic acid as an eco-friendly and sustainable carbon precursor and sodium citrate as a harmless activation agent via ice-templating and carbonization without an additional activation. The physicochemical characterization of the obtained PCMs revealed that the pore properties and morphology were strongly influenced by the amount of sodium citrate used. The PCMs prepared at a higher amount of sodium citrate showed interconnected hierarchical pore structures with a high specific surface area of 1326.12 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1.19 cm3/g. In a 3-electrode system, the PCM-based electrodes delivered a good supercapacitive performance, including a high specific capacitance of 278 F/g at 1 A/g and a high rate capability of 30% even at 50 A/g. In a 2-electrode system, the symmetric device displayed a high power density of 10.0 kW/kg, a high energy density of 7.05 Wh/kg, and an outstanding charge/discharge cycling stability of 100% after 10,000 cycles. These results suggest that the tannic acid-derived PCMs can be a promising active material for high-performance eco-friendly supercapacitors.

Assessing the impact of insecticide-treated nets in the face of insecticide resistance on malaria control

The mosquito-borne disease, malaria, continues to impose a devastating health and economic burden worldwide. In malaria-endemic areas, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been useful in curtailing the burden of the disease. However, mosquito resistance to insecticides, decay in ITN efficacy, net attrition, etc., undermine the effectiveness of ITNs in combatting malaria. In this study, mathematical models that account for asymptomatic infectious humans (through a partially immune class or a separate asymptomatic infectious class), insecticide resistance, and decay in ITN efficacy are proposed and analyzed. Analytical and numerical results of the models when ITN efficacy is constant show that there are parameter regimes for which a backward bifurcation occurs. Local and global sensitivity analyses are performed to identify parameters (some of which are potential targets for disease control) with the most significant influence on the control reproduction (Rc) and disease prevalence. These influential parameters include the maximum biting rate of resistant mosquitoes, ITN coverage, initial ITN efficacy against sensitive mosquitoes, the probability that an infectious mosquito (human) infects a susceptible human (mosquito), and the rate at which adult mosquitoes develop (lose) resistance to insecticides. Simulations of the models show that accounting for asymptomatic infectious humans through a separate class, or not accounting for the decay in ITN efficacy leads to an underestimation of disease burden. In particular, if the initial efficacy of ITNs against sensitive and resistance mosquitoes is 96%, the minimum ITN coverage required to reduce Rc below one (and hence, contain malaria) is approximately 11% (27%) lower when ITN efficacy is averaged (constant) for a model with a separate asymptomatic class. For the model with a partially immune class and decaying ITN efficacy, reducing Rc below one is impossible even if the entire populace uses ITNs. The study shows that replacing ITNs before their prescribed lifespans, or designing ITNs with longer lifespans is important for malaria control. Furthermore, the study shows that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) ITNs (which inhibit or reverse insecticide resistance) outperform regular ITNs in malaria control. Hence, prospects for effectively controlling malaria are enhanced by widespread use of high quality ITNs (e.g. PBO ITNs), especially if the useful lifespans of the ITNs are long enough and the ITNs are replaced before the end of their useful lifespans.

De Novo Transcription Responses Describe Host-Related Differentiation of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

Simple SummaryThe papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus, is an invasive pest affecting many crop plants. It reproduces and spreads rapidly. They have historically been a pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum, but they have successfully adapted to infesting papaya, Carica papaya. When they feed on papaya, they survive and reproduce more and live longer than when they feed on potato. We do not yet know what biological adaptations they made in order to use this new host plant. We compared the RNA sequences of papaya mealybugs feeding on potato and papaya. A total of 408 genes are expressed differently depending on the host plant. Most of these genes are expressed less when feeding on potato than on papaya. They encode digestive enzymes, detoxifying enzymes, and ribosomes and some have reproductive functions. We further analyzed their known functions using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. This showed that they include genes regulating digestion, detoxification, and longevity. We suggest that papaya is a more suitable host than potato, and that the decreased expression of particular genes may have important effects on the adaptation of the papaya mealybug to this alternative host plant.Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive pest with a diverse host range, strong diffusion, and high fecundity. It has been observed that P. marginatus feeding on Carica papaya have a higher survival rate, fecundity, and longer lifespan than P. marginatus feeding on Solanum tuberosum, indicating their successful adaptation to C. papaya; however, the mechanisms underlying host plant adaptation remain unclear. Therefore, RNA-seq was performed to study the transcriptional responses of P. marginatus feeding on C. papaya and S. tuberosum plants. A total of 408 genes with significant differential expression were defined; most of them were downregulated in S. tuberosum, including those of digestive enzymes, detoxifying enzymes, ribosomes, and reproductive-related genes, which may result from the adaptation of the host to nutritional needs and changes in toxic chemical levels. Enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that lysosome and longevity regulating pathways related to digestion, detoxification, and longevity were enriched. We suggest that C. papaya is a more suitable host than S. tuberosum, and downregulated target genes may have important effects on the adaptation of P. marginatus to host transfer.